Toolmaker/CNC Programmer

Howmet; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 39,509 - 43,890; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rates

Shift premium for off shifts

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

Howmet in Hampton, Virginia, seeks a Tool Maker to operate machinery and fabricate parts in compliance with specifications. Ideal candidates should have at least five years of experience in toolmaking, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to work various shifts.

The position offers a new hire starting rate of $28.68 per hour, with potential increases after six months. Join Howmet to be part of an innovative team in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED.
• At least five years of experience in toolmaking and CNC programming.
• Flexibility to work all shifts, overtime, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Analyze specifications and operate machine tools.
• Assemble parts to fabricate molds and tools.
• Ensure compliance with safety and attendance policies.

Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents

Ability to solve practical problems

CNC machine operation

CAD modeling

Education

High school diploma or GED certificate

Tools

Vertical milling machine

CNC milling machine

Bridgeport EZ Trax/Acu-Rite

Job description

Job Information

• Job Identification 118133
• Job Category Operations
• Posting Date 06/21/2026, 07:52 PM
• Locations One Howmet Drive, Hampton, VA, 23661, US (On‑site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Remote Work Schedule Availability None
• Export‑Controlled Data This position entails access to export‑controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items

Responsibilities

This opening is with Howmet Aerospace – a world leader in investment casting of superalloys, aluminum and titanium primarily for jet aircraft and industrial gas turbine markets. For more information about Howmet Aerospace, visit us online at www.howmet.com.

Howmet has challenging opportunities for individuals who are excited to engage with us in growing our business. Join us where you will be part of a dedicated team to manufacture high tech products, safely, accurately, and efficiently, you will perform a variety of hands‑on operations in accordance with standardized processes within customer specifications.

Howmet is currently looking for Tool Maker(s) to join our Industrial Gas Turbine (IGT) group in Hampton, Virginia. The available shift hours are 1st shift, M‑F 7am‑3pm and 2nd shift, M‑F 3pm‑11pm. Training is 1st shift, M‑F 7am‑3pm.

New Hire Starting Rate: $28.68 p/hr; After 6 months: $31.86 p/hr.

This position will receive an hourly "shift premium" of $1.00 p/hr while assigned to an off shift.

Job Summary: The Tool Maker will analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to fabricate and repair wax injection molds, metalworking dies, jigs and fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.

Essential Functions & Job Responsibilities:

• Ability to read and follow the information on work instructions.
• Record data either manually or by computer as required.
• Studies specifications, such as blueprints, sketches, models, or descriptions and visualizes product to determine materials required and machines to be used to fabricate parts.
• Computes dimensions, plans layout, and determines assembly method and sequence of operations.
• Measures, marks, and scribes metal stock for machining.
• Sets up and operates machine tools, such as lathes, milling machine, and grinder to machine parts and verifies conformance of machined parts to specifications.
• Lifts machined parts and positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable.
• Smooth flat and contoured surfaces and fits and assembles parts together into assemblies and mechanisms.
• Verifies dimensions, alignments, and clearances.
• Heat‑treats tools or parts.
• Examines new or previously used dies, tools, jigs, and fixtures, and recommends design modifications regarding construction and function of part.
• Develops specifications from general descriptions for specialty tools and draws or sketches design of product.
• Must be detail oriented and possess the ability to machine parts with tight tolerances.
• Must comply with all company attendance policies and guidelines; this includes, but is not limited to, regular attendance and occasional overtime.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts, such as fundamentals of plane, solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts, such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or scheduled form.
• Ability to setup, program, and operate CNC machines.
• Ability to create CAD models and drawings to use with CAM software.

Equipment Used: Vertical milling machine, Bridgeport EZ Trax/Acu‑Rite milling machine, tree journeyman CNC milling machine, personal computer, engine lathe, band saw, radial arm drill press, floor drill, pedestal grinder, surface grinder, precision tool grinder, abrasive cutoff saw, bridge crane heat treat oven, welding machine, acetylene torch, air grinders, power tools, and hand tools.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• An application must include a resume and two professional references for review and consideration.
• This position requires a minimum of high school diploma or GED certificate.
• This position requires a minimum of five years of toolmaker and CNC programming experience and/or training.
• Must be available for all shifts. Must be able to work overtime and weekends as the schedule varies depending on site operational needs; flexibility is required.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position entails access to export‑controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email [e-mail].